Transparent (Eustass Kid X reader) (Modern AU)

Five

_____'s nimble fingers glowed in the light, working their beautiful tune. The grand piano was white and glistening, and also brand new. Nile had been very firm in the idea of providing the best tools for the best pianists.

As a result of the newness, it had taken a full three days to break in properly. Killer kept ____ updated on Kid's rapidly recovering state, and made one last checkup before seeming the crew worthy of taking care of their boss without her.

But even with the added weight of Killer's realizations and Kid's drugged apologies, tonight was special.

The humongous common room was empty, for once. The tables were bare of people and the halls empty. ____ wasn't surprised. With Whitebeard releasing his hold on so much territory, she knew it had been a mad scramble to take it over. Of course, she wasn't supposed to know.

But such were the benefits of her upbringing. She quickly picked up tricks and tidbits from her fathers meetings, and even more from Law's. Somewhere along the line she'd gotten mixed up in the very thing she'd recently been trying to avoid.

With a mischievous hum her fingers pressed the keys to a familiar song, one she just happened to think of. Soft and chanting, yet somber. Clair De Lune was a favorite, it reminded ____ of times long past. It was a stark difference to the jazzy tune she usually played, but nobody was there to hear it.

The sharp high notes hit and ____ couldn't resist the twitch any longer, her head tilting and eyes fluttering shut as she was embraced by the music. Her brows crinkled, the melody forcing memories into her eyes. If she tried hard enough she could hear it, the tenor accompaniment, her duo to the triad. ____ didn't like thinking about her mother any more than she had to, but time like this didn't give her much choice.

The song came to a melancholy end, and her fingers hesitated to start another classic.

"Absolutely beautiful." ____ jumped, letting out a stressed breath and placing a hand to her heart as she realized it was only Nile. The tall man smiled, taking a brief puff of his cigar before lowering from his lips once more. "It seems my evenings with you are always filled with pleasant surprises."

"Ohoho..." she laughed, waving a finger in his direction with that same cheeky smile. "Flattery will get you everywhere, Nile."

"Perhaps it could get you to play at my residence?" He proposed, one hand finding his pocket as she turned in the seat to face him. Her deep forest green dress was matte and solid, a sharp difference to the cream colored surroundings. "I'm having over some guests, many of which I know are admirers of the classics. Your company would be greatly appreciated."

"Oh, Nile I-"

"Shanks informed me of your, what did he call it... two-year-plan?" Nile clicked his fingers at her nod. "Yes. Now, as much as I'd love to have you all to myself, these men hold much more esteemed... establishments than I. I would very much like to provide you with this opportunity to make some stronger connections."

"I-I would be honored!" ____ blinked rather owlishly in surprise. "May I ask why you've taken such an interest in my aspirations?"

"Once upon a time I was young and had dreams as pure as yours." He hummed, smile falling into something little more somber. "And I wish someone would have given me the opportunities to peruse them."

"Your generosity will never be forgotten, Nile." ____ stood gracefully, head tilting a little as she gave him the most honest smile she could muster. "I hope I live up to your expectations."

"The halls are empty and it's getting late. Why don't you head out for the night?"

"Mr. Nile I couldn't-"

The two stood silently before breaking out in soft laughter.

"You deserve the stars, ____." He rumbled, and he pulled out another card from his wallet. He handed it over and placed it in her open palm, hands covering her as he offered one last smothering grin. "This is my personal number. Please, feel free to message me about the gathering... or for... anything at all."

"I see..." ____ wasn't oblivious to his hesitation, and knew exactly where it came from. But she didn't dare bring it up, only to shoot it down. "Thank you again, Nile. Really, you have no idea how much this means to me."

"And you, me."

She left with little hesitation, taking her purse from the front desk and quickly entering the number into the contacts. ____'d text him right away, but felt that was a little too eager. After all, it didn't take a smart man to realize his obvious flattery, he had been doting in her since she started.

But nothing could dull the excitement in her veins.

"Yes!" She shouted into the night, laughing and doing a little dance. It was short lived as she wobbled on her heels, but her laughter quickly picked up. She whipped out her phone to text Law, eager to spew her quick advancements, but stopped upon reading one from an unused contact. Her quick steps stalled as she read it over, smile falling.

❌Kiddo❌: we need to talk

"No, we really don't." She sighed, ignoring the message and checking the others. Killer had asked for the time she got off, but that was hours ago and he was most likely asleep. She sent a quick text to Heat to let him know she was good and safe, then responded to Zoro about groceries. To her surprise, Heat texted back immediately.

Heat🦋: stay there, I'll come pick you up.

____: no need, I'm not going home yet. Go to sleep, it's late 💕

She didn't bother to check his reply, b-lining it to the loudest bar. She paused, however, before entering. There was a nagging voice in the back of her head, that damn conscious.

With a wave she picked up a stray taxi, hopping in the backseat with a grumble.

"Take me to The Victoria Punk."